Cambodia

Bus is the cheapest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh with prices costing around US$12 with a reputable company.  The journey is not particularly scenic, but does involve a crossing of the Mekong River by vehicle ferry.  Flights costs around xxx and take 50 minutes.  There are no trains running this route.

Bus

Many bus companies operate between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.  It's a 7 hour trip which involves a land border crossing at Bavat.  The journey is not particularly scenic, but does pass traditional Cambodian villages and involves a crossing of the Mekong River by vehicle ferry.  It is generally worth spending a few dollars more and traveling with the more reputable bus companies.  The better companies will get your visa-on-arrival for you, without you having to pay 'extra charges' that the Cambodian immigration officers often ask.  Better companies also have better buses and are more organised.  The better companies charge US$12, but you can find companies running the trip for US$8.

When leaving Vietnam all passengers have to take their luggage into the immigration office.  Your luggage stays on the bus when passing through Cambodian immigration.

The Cambodian company Capital Tours are recommended.  Bookings can be made through Sinh Cafe in Pham Ngu Lao Area in Saigon.  I traveled with them in 2008 and found their service good.  The pickup from the Sinh Cafe Pham in Ngu Lao Area, Saigon.  They drop off at their guesthouse in central Phnom Penh.  The staff on the bus are organised and will get your visa-on-arrival for you.  Whilst the border crossing paperwork is done they have lunch at a good restaurant around the back of the immigration office.

Flights

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The Bangkok to Sieam Reap bus journey is probably the most notorious road trip in Southeast Asia.  However, don't be too put off, the journey isn't that bad.  The road is slowly being upgraded.

Bus is by far the cheapest option to travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, costing from US$6.

Bus

There are dozens of companies operating between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.  The journey takes 6 hours and passes through some nice scenery.  Buses leave throughout the day giving you the option of a late or early start.  GST Express are one of the cheapest companies, operating comfortable buses with AC, on board movies and allocated seat numbers.  Their buses leave their depot by Central Market, but guesthouses selling tickets should provided a free shuttle to the market.  Other companies offer more expensive tickets (about US$9) for more modern buses with on board toilet and provided water.

Boat

Accommodation

Hello Paradise Guesthouse
helloparadise@gmail.com
tel: +855 (0)12 580 339
Modern clean guesthouse run buy a lovely family and their very cute kids.   Rooms are clean and have bathrooms.  They offer everything from good food, free internet, onward tickets and lots of Angkor tour options.  Hello Paradise is not centrally located, but about a 20 minute walk from the town center, but it's a quiet spot.  Okay Guesthouse in Phnom Penh is partnered with Hello Paradise.  Dorms from US$1, ensuite double rooms with hot water are US$6, AC and TV rooms are US$10.

Accommodation

Okay Guesthouse
okay.2001@hotmail.com
tel: 855-12 300 804
Ph 258
A busy place with lots rooms.  A good place to meet other travelers in their busy restaurant.  Rooms are clean and well  finished.  AC, TV and hot showers in the pricier rooms.  The staff and friendly and there is no hard sell, although the tuk-tuk drivers will remind you that they are there.  It's not centrally located, but just a few minutes walk from the river, Royal Palace, National Museum and Silver Pagoda.  There is an internet cafe across the road.  They sell well priced tickets to just about everywhere.  Many tuk-tuk drivers around town promote the guesthouse.  Dorms from US$1, Singles from US$3, Double rooms from US$6, with the best rooms costing just US$12.

Cambodian people are very friendly, smiley and helpful; think Laos and Thailand, rather than Vietnam.